530. Grand Celebration Discussion

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The mood in the room brightened further at the mention of the wedding, and all eyes turned to the bride-to-be. Yu Yan was the first to speak, her voice filled with motherly pride. "Wannian, my dear, the wedding is only a few months away. How are you feeling? It must be such an exciting time for you."

Wannian smiled, though there was a hint of shyness in her expression. "It is, Mother. I'm excited, but also a little nervous. There's so much to prepare, and I want everything to be perfect."

Diao Chan, ever the voice of reason and grace, leaned in with a gentle smile. "You don't have to worry too much, Wannian. Weddings can be overwhelming, but the most important thing is the love you and Sima Yi share. Everything else will fall into place."

Cai Wenji added, "I remember feeling the same way before I married your brother. It's natural to want everything to go smoothly, but it's also important to enjoy the process. This is your moment, and it's the beginning of a new chapter in your life."

The other women nodded in agreement, offering their own words of reassurance. Lu Lingqi, though less experienced in matters of marriage and the domestic sphere, spoke with her characteristic straightforwardness. "Sima Yi is a good man. He's intelligent and strategic, just like you, Wannian. You'll make a powerful couple."

Wannian blushed at the compliments but seemed more at ease. "Thank you, big sisters. I'm lucky to have such a supportive family around me. And I know Sima Yi and I will face whatever challenges come our way, just as all of you have in your own marriages."

Yu Yan placed a hand on her daughter's, her eyes shining with affection. "We're all so proud of you, Wannian. You've grown into a strong, intelligent woman, and Sima Yi is fortunate to have you as his wife. The wedding will be a beautiful celebration of that."

As they continued to talk about the upcoming marriage, the conversation naturally turned to the details of the event itself. Ying Yue, ever the planner, was quick to ask about the arrangements. "Have you and Sima Yi decided on the ceremony details yet? Do you need any help with the preparations?"

Wannian nodded, looking a little overwhelmed by the thought of it all. "We've started planning, but there's still so much to do. The guest list, the decorations, the banquet… it's a lot to organize."

Yu Yan, always prepared, smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Wannian. We've been through this before, and we'll help you with everything. Your father and I will make sure the ceremony is grand and befitting of the Lie Clan's stature, and your brothers and sisters will assist with the finer details."

Ying Yue leaned in conspiratorially. "And if you need help with the dress or anything else, I'll be happy to assist. We want you to feel like a princess on your special day."

The mention of the wedding dress caused a flurry of excitement among the women, with each offering ideas and suggestions. Diao Chan, known for her refined taste, offered to help design a gown that would reflect both the elegance of the Han traditions and Wannian's own personality.

"We can blend traditional elements with something unique to you," Diao Chan said thoughtfully. "Sima Yi is a man of intellect and refinement, and you are a woman of strength and grace. Your dress should reflect that."

Wannian smiled, her earlier nerves fading in the face of such warm support. "I would love that, Sister Diao Chan. Thank you. I want the wedding to be a reflection of both our families and who we are as a couple."

The conversation continued, with laughter and joy filling the room as the women bonded over the exciting event to come. They discussed the decorations, the food, and the entertainment, each offering their own expertise to ensure that the wedding would be a grand success.

Yet beneath the excitement, there was also a deeper sense of unity. As the women worked together to plan Wannian's wedding, they were also reinforcing the bonds that held the Lie family together. In this time of great political upheaval and uncertainty, these moments of family and connection were all the more precious.

Yu Yan, watching her daughters-in-law and daughter laughing and planning together, felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This was what she had always hoped for—for her family to be strong, united, and full of love. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, she knew that as long as they stood together, they could face anything.

As the evening drew to a close, Yu Yan stood and gathered the women together for one final piece of advice. "Remember, all of you, that family is our greatest strength. As we prepare for this wedding, and for all the challenges ahead, never forget that we are stronger together. Lean on each other, support each other, and we will always thrive."

The women nodded, their hearts full of gratitude and love. And as they left the living room to retire for the night, there was a sense of peace that lingered in the air—a feeling that no matter what trials the future might bring, the Lie family would face them together, united and strong.

The next day, the atmosphere in Xiapi's Governor's Castle was significantly more formal and tense than the evening of familial bonding at the Lie Clan residence. The great council room was filled with some of the sharpest minds of the era, all gathered around the imposing wooden table in the center of the hall. The sound of discussion, punctuated by the occasional scratch of a quill on parchment, filled the room as Lie Fan's advisors were in the midst of a crucial meeting.

Lie Fan sat at the head of the table, his posture commanding yet calm. He looked around the room, his eyes settling on each of his counselors as they contributed their thoughts.

Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, Sima Yi, Chen Gui, Yi Ji, Mi Zhu, Sun Qian, Cai Yong, Zhuge Xuan, Lu Zhi, Man Chong, Mao Jie, and Zhuge Jin were all present. Each one of them represented a different aspect of Lie Fan's administration, from military strategy to civil governance, and each brought their unique perspective to the discussion at hand.

The topic on the table was the grand celebration that would mark the completion of Xiapi's extensive expansion project. The city had grown significantly under Lie Fan's leadership, with the new outer walls and the entire outer section of the city finished and fortified.

Xiapi was now two or three times its original size, and the project had transformed the city into a sprawling hub of trade, governance, and military power. Such a monumental achievement required a celebration of equal grandeur, and Lie Fan wanted the event to reflect the city's importance.

"As you all know," Lie Fan began, his voice carrying the weight of leadership, "the expansion of Xiapi is complete. This city is no longer just a stronghold but a beacon of our power, stability, and future prosperity. To commemorate this, I wish to hold a grand celebration that will last well into the night. The people have worked hard, and they deserve to celebrate their achievements alongside us."

He paused for a moment, letting the significance of the moment sink in before continuing. "I envision this celebration to be unlike any other. It should be an event that not only honors the completion of the expansion but also solidifies the unity between the government, the military, and the people. I want the city to come alive with festivities, but also with a display of our technological advancements."

He gestured toward a small scroll on the table in front of him. "I've given much thought to this, and I believe the perfect way to conclude the evening will be with fireworks. A grand display that will light up the night sky, symbolizing the bright future we have built here in Xiapi."

There was a moment of quiet murmuring among the council members as they absorbed the plan. Jia Xu, ever cautious and calculating, leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes focused on Lie Fan.

"Fireworks, my lord?" he asked thoughtfully. "They would indeed be a spectacle the likes of which the people have never seen. However, with such a large gathering of the populace, we must be sure that the security is tight. Any sign of weakness or disorder during such a high-profile event could be seen as an opportunity by our enemies."

Lie Fan nodded. "You're right, Wenhe. Security is of paramount importance. I've already considered this. I want patrols increased throughout the city. The guards must be vigilant both in the streets and on the walls. Additionally, I'll have the Oriole in place, watching from the shadows to ensure no disruptions occur."

Man Chong, who had been quietly listening until now, added his own thoughts. "The outer walls of Xiapi are newly completed, and this celebration will be the perfect opportunity to test their defense and our military readiness. We can position additional forces around the key entry points to ensure that nothing happens unexpectedly. It would also serve as a reminder to any would-be invaders that Xiapi is well-defended."

Xun You, the brilliant strategist who had helped Lie Fan in numerous campaigns, nodded in agreement. "Man Chong raises a good point. Not only should we increase patrols, but we can also use this celebration as an opportunity to showcase our military strength subtly. Have our elite troops stationed at strategic locations, not as an oppressive force, but as a visible deterrent."

The conversation continued as Chen Gong leaned forward, offering his thoughts. "My lord, the people will certainly be thrilled by the fireworks and the celebrations, but we must ensure that the festivities are not only about entertainment. This is also an opportunity to highlight the achievements of your rule. We should take time during the celebration to address the people, to remind them of the progress we've made, and to inspire them to continue supporting your vision."

Lu Su, ever the diplomat, agreed. "Yes, a speech from you, Lord Lie Fan, will help strengthen the bond between the government and the people. We can also honor key figures who have contributed to the expansion—builders, architects, and soldiers alike. This will show that every citizen, no matter their station, has played a part in Xiapi's success."

Lie Fan nodded approvingly at the suggestions. "I will address the people during the celebration, and we will make sure to honor those who have made this achievement possible. This is a moment for all of us, from the highest-ranking officials to the common laborers."

The room fell quiet for a moment as the advisors considered the various elements that would go into planning such an event. It was no small task to coordinate a celebration of this magnitude, especially one that would last well into the night and involve so many moving parts.

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 AD)

Level: 16

Next Level: 462,000

Renown: 1325

Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)

SP: 1,121,700

ATTRIBUTE POINTS

STR: 951 (+20)

VIT: 613 (+20)

AGI: 598 (+10)

INT: 617

CHR: 96

WIS: 519

WILL: 407

ATR Points: 0